Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

8 May 2007

The Australian Government will commit up to $25 million to the redevelopment of the three western grandstands at Adelaide Oval.

“Adelaide Oval, established in the late 1800s, is one of the world’s great Test cricket grounds and has been the setting for some of the most memorable moments in international cricket history,” the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, said today.

The $25 million in funding, announced by the Minister for Finance and Administration, Senator the Hon Nick Minchin on Australia Day, is conditional on the South Australian Government increasing its existing $16 million commitment to fully match the Australian Government’s contribution.

The western grandstands currently seat around 8,000 spectators and have remained largely unchanged in the last 70 years. The additional funding will be used to add two tiers of seating to the base of the existing stands, a 750-seat dining room, new football change rooms, corporate hospitality facilities and new catering and kitchen facilities.

“The redevelopment of the western grandstands will increase the ground’s capacity to 40,000 from its current capacity of around 33,000. It will ensure the Adelaide Oval remains a world-class venue for international and domestic cricket. It will also give this historic venue, arguably the most picturesque cricket ground in the world, greater potential to attract other international sporting events, concerts and conventions,” Senator Brandis said.

The redevelopment will also provide Football Federation Australia and the Australian Rugby Union with first-class venues for the hosting of Socceroos and Wallabies matches in Adelaide.

“It is expected that a redeveloped Adelaide Oval will provide enormous economic benefits for Adelaide and South Australia through a substantial increase in the number of events held in the city, especially during winter.”

Further information: Travis Bell, 0448 950 248

Supporting Information

$25 million for the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval

Why is this important?

• The redevelopment of Adelaide Oval will ensure that the facility provides the opportunity to host international sporting events, concerts and conventions.

Who will benefit?

• The Australian public, in particular the South Australian community.
• As a result of this funding, the capacity of the Adelaide Oval will increase from 33,000 to 40,000.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• The Australian Government will provide $25 million, conditional upon the South Australian Government increasing its contribution from its current $16 million to match in full that of the Australian Government.

What have we done in the past?

• During the 2004 Federal election campaign the Government committed $37.9 million for 38 sport and recreation facilities projects around the nation.
• In 2005-06, the Government provided three grants of:
• $15 million to the City of Marion in South Australia for the construction of the South Australian State Aquatic Centre;
• $15 million to the Melbourne Cricket Club for the establishment of an Australian National Sports Museum; and
• $9.6 million to the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club to support the upgrade of Toyota Park.

When will the initiative conclude?

• The redevelopment is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.